Eastern Michigan University President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion: Statement on recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia

In the wake of the troubling events in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Eastern Michigan University President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion offers its sincerest condolences to the victims of the violence, bigotry and hatred painfully witnessed in that city. This is a tragic, teachable moment. For the United States, the still unfinished journey of racial reconciliation is on full display for the world to witness. Deeply entrenched in the fabric of the country, bigotry and racism remain a central challenge to the nation on its perfecting mission.

At this moment, the President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion calls upon the EMU community to strengthen its commitment to the broad and deep search for knowledge and understanding of the human condition. It urges the continued critical examination of systems and structures that both perpetuate disparity and inequality, and that feed, albeit unconsciously, the animus seen in Charlottesville. It affirms the imperative of safe and open spaces for expressing ideas, and for robust discourse.

Lastly, the President’s Commission on Diversity and Inclusion asserts that inclusive excellence will be the catalyst for a transformed university, and for a national community grounded in the principles of equality, diversity and social justice.